A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Bring a Dog into Canada
Planning to travel to Canada with your dog? Whether you’re going on holiday, relocating, or moving abroad, bringing your dog to Canada requires organization, attention to detail, and a bit of patience. From entry requirements to choosing the right travel crate and handling logistics, this guide walks you through every step of the process. Here, you’ll find all the essential information to help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your four-legged companion.
What Are the Requirements for Bringing a Dog to Canada?
Bringing a dog into Canada involves meeting certain administrative requirements to ensure smooth entry into the country. Below are the essential information you need to know when traveling to Canada with a dog: health and vaccination requirements, documents to gather, minimum age, and relevant authorities to contact.
Documents Needed for Pet Travel
Rabies Vaccination Certificate
One of the most important documents for entering Canada with your dog is a valid rabies vaccination certificate. This certificate must be written in English or French and must clearly identify the animal (name, breed, color, age, sex). It should indicate the vaccination date and the vaccine’s duration of validity, and it must be signed by a licensed veterinarian. For dogs receiving the rabies vaccine for the first time, it must be administered at least 21 days before departure. If your dog is a puppy under three months old, the rabies vaccine is not mandatory, but you will need to provide proof of age.
Certificate of Good Health
A health certificate is generally required by airlines. This document confirms that your dog is fit to travel to Canada and poses no health risks. It must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure.
Transport Documentation
Make sure to gather all travel-related documents, including your ticket reservation (indicating your dog’s inclusion), a live animal transport form if required by the airline, and a receipt for transport fees if your dog is travelling in the cargo hold. These documents are essential both at boarding and upon arrival in Canada.
Health Requirements
The only mandatory vaccine to bring a dog into Canada is the rabies vaccine. This requirement applies regardless of the dog’s origin, breed, or length of stay. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and must be valid at the time of entry.
If your dog has never been vaccinated before or the previous vaccine has expired, a minimum of 21 days must pass between the administration of the new vaccine and your travel date. If your dog is already up to date, you must provide vaccination records that confirm the continuity and validity of the current vaccine.
Minimum Age Requirement
Canada does not specify a strict minimum age for importing pets. However, puppies under 3 months old can be imported without a rabies vaccination if they are accompanied by their owner and their age can be verified. For commercial imports, additional requirements apply to dogs under 8 months of age. These include obtaining an import permit, microchipping, and presenting a veterinary health certificate. For full details, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides clear guidelines.
Which Authorities Should You Contact?
Planning to bring your dog to Canada? Here are the key authorities and professionals you should get in touch with to properly prepare for your pet’s travel and arrival.
1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
The CFIA is the national body responsible for animal health regulations in Canada. This agency sets the rules regarding the importation of pets, including dogs. You can find detailed, country-specific import requirements on their official website. We strongly recommend reviewing these guidelines prior to travel to ensure full compliance.
2. Your Vet
Before traveling, a visit to your vet is mandatory to obtain a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Your dog must also be vaccinated according to its age and Canadian regulations. If your dog is not up-to-date on vaccines, you may need to plan this visit several weeks ahead of your departure date.
3. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Upon arrival in Canada, you must declare your dog to the CBSA. Border officers will inspect your documents and your pet, and may apply an inspection fee ranging from $30 to $55 CAD. If your paperwork is incomplete or non-compliant, your dog’s entry into Canada may be delayed or denied.
Good-to-know
While not a legal requirement for Canadian entry, having your dog microchipped is highly recommended. It aids in quick identification if your pet is lost and may also be required by some airlines. A pet passport and a recent photo of your dog can serve as useful complementary documents.
How to Organize Transport for Your Dog to Canada?
Here are the different options available for taking your dog with you, and the key steps to follow when organizing your pet’s transport to Canada.
Cabin, Hold, or Cargo?
Small dogs may be permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin, provided that the total weight (dog + carrier) is under about 8 kg. However, most medium and large dogs will need to travel in the hold or as cargo, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
Choosing the Right Travel Crate
Regardless of the travel method, your dog must be transported in an IATA-compliant crate. The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should be sturdy, well-ventilated, have a secure locking mechanism, and no wheels (or have wheels that can be locked). The crate must also display clear identification: your dog’s name, your name, and your contact details.
Booking with a Professional Pet Transport Company
To avoid complications and ensure a smooth experience, consider working with a professional animal transport company like Air Transport Animal to manage the entire process—from crate selection and flight bookings to customs paperwork—ensuring a stress-free experience for both you and your dog.
Tips to Prepare Your Dog for Air Travel
1. Crate Training
Start introducing your dog to its travel crate several weeks before traveling to Canada. Place the crate in a familiar space with the door open, adding a blanket, toys, or treats. Positive crate time will help your dog feel safe and secure during the actual flight.
2. Adjust Feeding Schedule
Feed your dog as normal the day before the trip. However, on the day of travel, avoid feeding within six hours before the flight to reduce nausea risk. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated, and attach a water bowl inside the crate, in accordance with IATA standards.
3. Pre-Travel Vet Visit
Visiting your vet before travelling to Canada with your dog is a must. Your vet will verify your dog’s health status and vaccinations and provide the required documents for Canadian customs. If your dog experiences travel anxiety, discuss natural remedies (avoid sedatives, which are not recommended for air travel).
4. Relaxation Before Departure
Take your dog for a walk before heading to the airport. Physical activity helps reduce anxiety and makes the journey more comfortable. Stay calm yourself—dogs are sensitive to your emotions.
Travel with Your Dog to Canada with Air Transport Animal
Planning to move or travel to Canada with your dog? Whether for relocation or long vacations, international pet transport requires detailed planning. For over 15 years, Air Transport Animal has helped families, individuals and companies move their pets safely and in compliance with international regulations. From mandatory vaccinations and vet documentation to crate standards and import timelines, we handles every step with care and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing a Dog into Canada
Will My Dog Be Quarantined Once He Enters Canada?
Canada does not impose a mandatory quarantine for dogs arriving from abroad, as long as the dog is healthy, fully vaccinated, and all required documents are in order.
However, in some exceptional cases, Canadian authorities may decide to place a dog in quarantine. This may happen if:
- Veterinary documents are incomplete or deemed non-compliant
- The rabies vaccine is not valid upon arrival
- The dog shows signs of illness or abnormal behavior at customs
- There are doubts about the identity or actual age of the dog (especially in the case of puppies under 3 months old)
In such cases, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may isolate the animal in an approved quarantine facility while inspections are carried out or missing documentation is provided.
Will My Dog Need to Visit a Vet Upon Arrival?
Not necessarily. If all documents are in order, a vet check on arrival is usually not required. However, a brief inspection by the CFIA may take place at the airport. Inspection fees may apply.
Which Airlines Accept Dogs?
Many international airlines offer pet transport, including:
- Air Canada
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
Each airline has its own policies regarding crate size, weight limits, and advance bookings. Check airline websites before traveling.
Which Dog Breeds Cannot Travel to Canada?
Certain breeds deemed dangerous are prohibited, including various pit bull types (e.g., Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier). Visit the CFIA website for a complete list of restricted breeds.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Canada with a Dog?
Costs vary by size, weight, and transport type (cabin, hold, or cargo). Expect to pay between €200 and €1,000 or more, especially if using premium services from professional pet shippers. Do not hesitate to contact us to request a free quote.